Cat won't eat after other cat died?

That is very sad and shows just how attached cats can become to their companions. It can be very dangerous for cats if they go more than a couple of days without eating, so your mother needs to take her cat to the vet on an urgent basis. The vet can prescribe appetite stimulants. In this situation they are going to be more effective than the usual methods of encouraging a cat to eat which has lost it's appetite due to illness. If your mother hasn't already done so, she can try tempting the cat to eat by offering favourite foods such as pieces of freshly cooked chicken etc.

The surviving cat is obviously grieving for their friend, and needs extra comfort and reassurance at this time. The Messybeast web site has a really lovely article "When Cats Grieve" which has lots of information and advice on ways to help this cat recover from depression.

http://www.messybeast.com/cat-grief.htm

I agree that adopting another cat is not necessarily the solution. This cat misses their friend, and another cat will initially be viewed as an unwelcome intruder which may just add to their stress levels. Put yourself in their place - could your best friend be so easily replaced by a complete stranger?

I hope this helps and that the cat is feeling better soon.

Yeah I think that's probably what it is, he's grieving. He COULD die, especially since it's so old. But I also think avoiding that is possible. However if it still passes and you tried, don't blame yourself.

I would find a way to 'force' it to eat and be hydrated. By that I mean get those kitten kits that come with those plastic syringe and give it kitten milk and water. You can find them at Walmart for really cheap. Ask your vet how much to give an adult cat. Just put the cat in your arms, resting against your stomach, open it's mouth by gently pushing your finger by it & with your other hand insert the syringe in there and feed it. This will keep it from starvation.

Then try to do things that would make humans feel better. Being outside is a huge thing, getting some sun. Put a harness on it and leash so it doesn't jump off & get away (you don't have to 'walk' him) and just have him in your arms and walk around with him, talk to him in gentle but happy tones, pet him... at home give him a lot of love and attention, talk, play... hopefully with a combination of all that he will get better. Be patient and don't give up, it takes US a long time to recover too.

I had the very same problem exactly one month ago today. One of my cats died immediately after an anaesthetic was administered whilst he was waiting to be neutered. His little sister would not eat cat food for us for 2 weeks. All she would eat is chicken legs.I contacted the vet and he said that she would be fine. Apar she was mourning the loss of her brother.

It is now 4 weeks today and she is back eating a little under 2 weeks now. I would suggest that your mum put some meat on a plate and some cat food on another and her cat will eat something. It might not eat its regular food for a week or two but the vet said once it eats something it will be fine.

As for getting another cat it might be too traumatic on your other cat at the min. Your remaining cat is grieving at the minute and needs all your mums attention in order to get over the loss.

This is normal, make sure the cat is drinking water, maybe give it some milk specialized for cats or kittens as a temporary solution. If the cat continues to refuses to eat I would take it to the vet there could be a health problem then.

When my cat died the remaining one was very sad refused to leave the kitchen. Not sure why Nebby died in the living room.

no need to put the cat down, same exact thing happened to my friends cat.I assume these are in house cats that grew up together ? if so i know it sounds crazy but walks outside around the house help.Got that huge cat up and going again in no time, took like a week i believe and all was well.Also toys that make noise and or fluffy plus some quality time for cat lol.Everything will pan out fine. Sorry for your loss as ive seen how cats really do and can become part of the family.

Spoil him rotten, shower him with affection, don't disturb his normal routine. Try giving him some really good quality, tasty food at room temperature and see if this doesn't spark his appetite. Play with him and his toys, show him that he's loved. I would never suggest that you put a cat to sleep merely because he's grieving, he needs some time to grieve and if he's not right in a week or so, then maybe look at rehoming him with another cat. He's not going to starve to death in a week.

If the poison has not digested entirely from the rat, the cat can get sick. It depends on the amount left in the rat's stomach after ingestion, and how much is in the rat's system. A cat will likely not die, but can be made sick, depending on the age/health of the cat.

hi

if the two cats were close then the other cat that wont eat is probably mourning it happened to me but i had 3 cats and 1 died and his brother just would not eat .

Ahhh man I've had this happen before. One goes, and the other goes a week later.

It might be best to give it up to someone with other cats. It's alone, its heartbroken.

Don't kill it. Just socialize and/or give it to someone who has other animals.

The cat is probably heartbroken and will probably die.

It might be best to euthanise it but you can at least try and get it to eat again. Give it it's favourite treats, keep it warm since it is also old.